When you’re familiar with a place, you typically know what the etiquette rules are. What’s OK to do and what’s not. How to behave and how not to act.
A perfect example of this is if you’ve only flown economy your whole life and suddenly get thrown into first class, you might act like this guy. Well, at least until you know the ins and outs of being there.
Along the same lines, with airport lounges being filled with more and more people, it seems there are a bunch of newbies who don’t know the “right” way to act when they’re there. You’ve seen them – the ones who have conversations on speakerphone. Or who let their kids run around and take cookies off the tray without using the tongs. Or who, themselves, take the cookies without using the tongs. (ew)
These are the things that lounge regulars and workers wish the newbies knew about before they actually got to the lounge:
Have your credentials ready
You can’t get into the lounge unless you have the right credit card or whatever proof you have of membership. It’s got to be in your name, not your spouse’s (unless your spouse is with you). Make sure you’re within the X number of hours before your flight to be able to use the lounge.
Without all of these, you’re going to have a line of impatient people behind you. Especially if there’s only 1 person working the desk.
Don’t spread your stuff out
Chairs and couches are for peoples’ behinds, not their luggage. Seating is at a premium in lounges nowadays and if your party of 2 is taking up 4 seats, that’s 2 seats that can’t be used by other people.
Same thing goes for turning a 2- or 3-person couch into a 1-person bed. And keep your feet off the furniture.
Bottom line? You’re one person – only take up one seat, please and thank-you.
It’s OK to leave your stuff
It took me, the native New Yawka, a long time to get used to this. But in airport lounges, it’s generally OK to briefly leave your stuff to grab some food and drink, to use the restroom, etc. Dragging everything you own with you while you go grab some cookies just makes for more crowding (and a potential tripping hazard). Your stuff is safe where you leave it.
The free food is not meant to be “to go”
I would be lying if I said I never grabbed one extra mini brownie “for the road” as I left a lounge (because I really, really like those mini brownies). But the food at the lounge is generally meant to be consumed at the lounge. You’re not supposed to take 16 finger sandwiches and 4 cookies with you in a doggy bag. Don’t do it.
Don’t be a gavone
For the love of things holy, don’t be like these guys. You’re not at Golden Corral and it’s not an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Don’t get drunk
Yes, I know drinks at the bar might be free. That’s no excuse to drink enough so you start acting stupid. Don’t overindulge.
Use your inside voice
Airport lounges are meant to be quiet places. There’s no need to yell, talk on speakerphone, listen to music or watch videos without headphones, etc., unless you want to look like “that” person.
Control your kids
Please set limits for your kids if they’re running around, making too much noise or are generally making themselves a nuisance to other guests. Remember that you’re in a public space, not your living room.
Clean up after yourself
Most, if not all lounges have people on hand to get spaces ready for the next guest. However, you should do your part, too. Throw out your trash. Gather your cups, plates and utensils. Clean up your crumbs and spills as best as you can with napkins, etc.
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